Defense Superior Service Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)

These devices were added in March 2017

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

These devices are included in DoD Inst 1348.33 series. Check your specific service regulations.

Example of ribbon placement (IF only "R", "C", or "V" is authorized - it is centered)

Description:

1. Authorized by Executive Order 11904
2. Awarded by the Secretary of Defense to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who has rendered superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility while assigned to a joint activity and whose performance cannot be recognized properly by any other Defense medal. This award was established by Executive Order 11904 on February 6, 1976, when President Gerald R. Ford signed the order formally establishing this award. This medal is awarded by the Secretary of Defense to military officers who perform exceptionally with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, The Joint Chiefs of Staff, special or outstanding command in a defense agency or any other joint activity designated by the Secretary. The service rendered will be similar to that required for award of the Legion of Merit. At the time of its creation it was decided that this medal would be obtained at the lowest possible cost and "with as little involvement as possible." For these reasons and because it would rank just below the Distinguished Service Medal for similar service, it was decided to use the same design as the Distinguished Service Medal, except that it would be finished in silver rather than gold and the inscription on the reverse would be properly modified.
3. As of March 2017
   The DSSM may be awarded with the “C” device to recognize exceptionally meritorious service or achievement performed under combat conditions on or after January 7, 2016. The award narrative must clearly show that the nominee was personally exposed to hostile action, or was at significant risk of exposure to hostile action:
   (a) While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
   (b) While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
   (c) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
4. As of March 2017
   The DSSM for specific achievement may be awarded with the “R” device to distinguish that the award was earned for the direct hands-on employment of a weapon system or other warfighting activities that had a direct and immediate impact on a combat operation or other military operation (i.e., outcome of an engagement or specific effects on a target), including Title 10, U.S.C., support of non-Title 10 operations, and operations authorized by an approved execute order. To be designated as such, the action must have been performed through any domain, in circumstances that did not expose the individual to hostile action, or place him or her at significant risk of exposure to hostile action, on or after January 7, 2016, under one of the following conditions:
   (a) While engaged in military operations against an enemy of the United States;
   (b) While engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force; or
   (c) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

Background:

1. This award was established by Executive Order 11904 on February 6, 1976, when President Gerald R. Ford signed the order formally establishing this award. This medal (pictured below) is awarded by the Secretary of Defense to military officers who perform exceptionally with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, The Joint Chiefs of Staff, special or outstanding command in a defense agency or any other joint activity designated by the Secretary. The service rendered will be similar to that required for award of the Legion of Merit. At the time of its creation it was decided that this medal would be obtained at the lowest possible cost and "with as little involvement as possible."
2. For these reasons and because it would rank just below the Distinguished Service Medal for similar service, it was decided to use the same design as the Distinguished Service Medal, except that it would be finished in silver rather than gold and the inscription on the reverse would be properly modified.